Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has decided to reopen the governor’s official residence to the public for an Easter egg hunt after an alleged arson incident at the property. The fire caused extensive damage, with workers now clearing out the fire-damaged rooms and making repairs. Despite the incident, Governor Shapiro remains determined not to live in fear and plans to start sleeping at the residence again soon.
The fire broke out in the middle of the night after Shapiro’s family had celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover. The alleged arsonist, Cody Balmer, is accused of scaling a security gate, smashing windows, and igniting gasoline-filled glass bottles before fleeing the scene. Balmer has been charged with attempted homicide, arson, assault, and burglary, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 28.
Authorities are investigating whether religious or political bias motivated the attack, as Balmer expressed animosity towards Governor Shapiro. Balmer’s family claims he suffers from mental illness, though he denied this in court. The State Police have hired an expert to conduct a security review at the residence.
Despite the damage and the ongoing legal proceedings, Governor Shapiro remains resilient and determined to overcome the incident. The reopening of the residence for an Easter egg hunt signifies a willingness to move forward and not let fear dictate actions. The restoration of the fire-damaged rooms is expected to be completed by mid-summer, though security improvements at the property remain a priority.
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